Bread Machine Italian Bread is so delicious and easy! Just add the ingredients to the bread maker and program it. A fresh loaf of the best white bread will be ready for you in a few hours! It's the most convenient of my Italian Bread Recipes.
If you're looking for a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, Bread Machine Italian Bread is for you!
It may not look as attractive as a loaf from the oven, but the flavor is on point! The crust is thinner but crispy, and the inside is tender and fresh-tasting. Use this bread for corned beef sandwiches, toast and more!
Why use a bread machine?
A bread machine offers convenience, especially if you're at work all day and want to come home to a fresh loaf. You just add the ingredients to the bread maker, then program it to start right away or delay it for hours.
The machine will stop when the bread is done and keep it warm for up to a few hours. It's like using a Crock-Pot, but for bread!
And if you don't have a bread maker, be sure to try this easy Artisan Italian Bread!
Recipe ingredients
Bread Flour: It's important to use flour with a high protein level (12%-14%) when using a bread machine. Bread flour (affiliate link) contains more protein than all-purpose flour and will develop the gluten better, producing a higher rise. Don't substitute all-purpose flour.
Yeast: Any type of yeast will work in a bread machine. I always use instant yeast, sometimes sold as "bread machine yeast," or "rapid rise" yeast. When using a bread maker, add the yeast in a corner of the machine, away from the salt. Salt inhibits the yeast.
You can use active dry yeast in your bread machine without proofing it, as long as you use fresh yeast (open a new packet with a distant expiration date.)
Oil: Oil tenderizes the dough. I prefer using olive oil to make Italian bread. If needed, you could use canola or vegetable oil.
How to make it
See the card at the end of this post for the full recipe, but here's an overview.
- Add the water and olive oil to the machine, followed by the flour and sugar. Add the salt to the corner of the pan. Make a well and add the yeast last.
- Set the machine to the Basic or White setting, then choose Dark for the crust. Press start. The bread may take up to 3 hours and 20 minutes to make, depending on your machine.
Bread machine tips
- Carefully measure all of the ingredients as directed, because any variance can affect the outcome.
- Make sure the kneading paddle is pushed down all the way before adding the ingredients. If not, the paddle(s) won't turn when the bread machine is on.
- Pay attention to the order you add the ingredients to the machine, following the manufacturer's instructions. Usually, the liquid must go in first, followed by the flour and sugar, and the yeast must be last.
Ways to use bread machine Italian bread
Bread maker Italian bread is perfect for generously sized sandwiches! Try it with basil mayo and homemade turkey lunch meat or Italian Chicken Cutlets.
For a fun appetizer, cut it into strips and dunk it in bread dipping oil.
It also makes delicious toast and the best Italian Bread French Toast!
And, you could use it for this Italian bread crumbs recipe or to make stuffing, croutons, etc. Everything tastes better with homemade bread!
Using a bread machine just to make dough
You can use the dough setting on your bread machine just to mix, knead and rise the Italian bread dough. (Be sure to read the directions for your bread maker.)
Then, you can proceed to let the dough rise a second time, following the instructions for this Homemade Italian Bread recipe all the way to the end. That recipe calls for baking the bread with a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
You'll end up with a crispier, browner crust than if you used the bread machine from start to finish.
Choosing a bread machine
Bread machines come with either a square loaf pan or a rectangular pan. Our bread machine is at least 20 years old and produces square loaves, as you can see in the photos.
If you're interested in a square loaf machine, the Cuisinart Compact & Automatic (affiliate link), has great reviews and is known for being easy to use.
If you'd rather have rectangular loaves of bread, newer models have elongated loaf pans with two kneading paddles instead of one. The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (affiliate link) is highly rated but does take up more counter space.
More recipes to try
- Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia
- Beer Pizza Dough with Yeast
- Easy Beer Bread without Yeast
- Quick Burger Buns
- 50 Best Bread Machine Recipes
Enjoy!
If you try this recipe for Bread Machine Italian Bread, please leave a comment and a rating!
Bread Machine Italian Bread
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 ½ ounces lukewarm water (1 cup + 3 Tablespoons, 90-100 degrees F)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour (measure by spooning into cup and leveling off with a knife)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast (or fresh, active dry yeast added without proofing)
Instructions
- Make sure the kneading paddle of your bread machine is pressed down all the way. Add all of the ingredients to the bread pan in the specific order stated in the instructions for your machine. (Most machines say to add the liquids first, then the flour and sugar. The salt should be added to a corner of the pan. Make a well in the center and add the yeast last.)
- Lock the bread pan into the machine by turning it counterclockwise into place (or follow the instructions for your machine). Make sure the handle of the pan is down and close the lid. Plug in the bread maker and press the Basic or White bread button. Set the bread color to Dark. Press Start, and the machine will begin mixing the dough.
- Depending on your machine, it should take about 3 hours and 20 minutes for the bread to be finished. Don't open the lid during that time. When the bread is done, remove the pan (wear oven gloves/mitts) and let it sit for five minutes. Then, shake the pan gently and turn it over to release the bread onto a cooling rack. Wait 30 minutes before slicing it.
- Store the bread in a plastic bag or sealed container at room temperature for up to a couple of days, or it will start getting dry. For maximum freshness, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top plastic bag the same day you make it, after it has cooled.
Notes
Nutrition
(Recipe Source: Cooking with Mamma C)
BobC says
I have an oven with a bread proof mode that keeps it warm to 120 degrees, and I had trouble getting my bread machine bread to rise. What I'm doing now is mixing the water, sugar, yeast, oil, and about 1/4 of the flour and pouring it into the bread machine pan, covering it, and putting it in the oven on bread proof mode for an hour or two until its doubled in size. Then I take the rest of the flour and mix it with the salt, and sift it onto the top, and put it into the bread machine and press start. I did have to use a spatula to push down the excess on that sides after it started kneading, but the bread came out much fluffier, not a brick, with the same great flavor.
Mamma C says
Hi Bob - I wonder if something is wrong with your bread machine. If the yeast worked when you let the dough rise in the oven, it must be something with the machine.
Heather Cromer says
This bread was delicious! Easy to make. My family loves it and it is a staple in our home! Absolutely Love!!
Mamma C says
Hi Heather - I'm so glad! Thanks for leaving a review.
Jeanette S. says
When using the dough cycle you don’t mention if another rise is necessary after taking it out of the machine. I’m assuming that it’s necessary, right?? Thanks much.
Mamma C says
Hi Jeanette - Yes, if you're just making dough with the machine and not letting it bake in the machine, it would need a second rise. You can then use the instructions for this Homemade Italian Bread starting at the point of allowing a second rise. I adjusted the recipe notes and article to reflect that.
GoatMama says
Can this be made without salt or a necessity for rising and texture?
Mamma C says
Hi GoatMama - I don't think the results would be good without salt.
Trackie says
This is the best bread I’ve made to date in my bread machine! First time I’ve used this recipe! So soft, some resistance to tearing( a must in our house), bounce ; and ; great with salted butter! Will be using this recipe again!
Mamma C says
Hi Trackie - I love hearing that! I'm so glad. Thanks for leaving a review.
George says
Made 5 loaves for my Pastor and some ladies at my church and they all loved it. Great easy recipe to follow. It’s full proof. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Mamma C says
Hi George - I'm so happy to hear that! You're welcome, and thanks for your review.
Cindi T says
Have you tried increasing ingtredients to make a bigger loaf like a 1.5 or 2lb loaf?
Mamma C says
Hi Cindi - No, I haven't tried it. You should be able to do that as long as your machine can accommodate that size.
Tatijanna says
Hi! I just bought a bread maker, and this was the first recipe I tried! We loved it! But on a technical note, how do I avoid the paddle sticking into the loaf??? And then I have to rip it out after the bread is made….? 🥴 first timer here, so I’m welcome to any tips!!! Thanks!!
Mamma C says
Hi Tatijanna - I would read the manual for your machine to see if it mentions taking out the paddle at a certain point in the cycle. Otherwise, try removing the paddle after the kneading cycle. Make sure to spray the area where you removed the paddle with cooking spray, then return the dough to the machine.
krista says
Mamma C
Which size loaf on machine should i use for this recipe?
Mamma C says
Hi Krista - This recipe makes a 1 1/4 pound loaf. You'd have to read the instructions for your machine to see which size to use.
Amy says
it's pretty good, I have made this recipe many times in my Sunbeam bread maker. I had to add much more oil than the recipe called for. I used about a 1/4C evoo. I also love that this bread is versatile, you can add seasonings to it. I add about 4 TBS of Italian seasoning or garlic powder. I have kids that do not usually like crust, so I opted for light setting. They gobble this up with broth.
Mamma C says
Hi Amy - What kind of flour are you using and how are you measuring it? I'm trying to figure out why the extra oil was needed. I'm glad your family is enjoying this with seasonings added!
Lori B. says
I made this Italian bread for dinner tonight. It was so delicious! My family loved it! I set the bread color on medium. I like the lighter color. It came out perfect!
Mamma C says
Hi Lori - I'm so glad your family loved it! Thanks for leaving a review.
Roseanna says
Easy & delicious! Great recipe, crisp outside, chewy inside 😋
Mamma C says
Hi Roseanna - I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a review.